Africa South of the Sahara
Ghana
The Kaya Girl
By Mamle Wolo, Sasha Illingworth (Illustrator)
The Kaya Girl. Mamle Wolo. Illustrated by Sasha Illingworth. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022. Originally published by Techmate Publishers Ltd., in Ghana, in 2012 and then by Nsona Books in 2018. ISBN 9780316703932. 336 p. (Ages 9 and up). Fiction.
A rags-to-riches tale about Faiza, a Muslim migrant girl from northern Ghana, and Abena, a wealthy doctor’s daughter from the south. The two meet by chance in Accra, where Faiza works as a porter or kaya girl and develop a deep friendship that transcends social barriers. A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book, a 2023 Children's Africana Book Award Honor, and a Bank St. College Best Books selection. [gd]
The Middle East & North Africa
Lebanon
Stories from the Life of Prophet Muhammad
By Nahiba Mheidly, Maha Alhusseini (Translator), Louijaina al Aseel (Illustrator)
Stories from the Life of Prophet Muhammad. Nahiba Mheidly. Translated by Maha Alhusseini. Illustrated by Loujaina Al Aseel. Dar Alhadaek, 2021. ISBN 6144392661. 72 p. (Ages 7-12). Nonfiction.
This book provides an engaging way to teach key stories and lessons from the life of the Prophet Muhammad and historical details on the origins of Islam. Colorful illustrations and Qur’anic verses punctuate the work. Written by a three-time Etisalat Award-winning author. [ea]